Families with children eligible to start preschool next year are being encouraged to enrol their child this month.
Children who turn 4 years of age before 1 May 2021 are eligible to attend a government preschool from the beginning of next year. Aboriginal children and children who are or have been in care are eligible to attend once they turn 3.
Enrolment applications are prioritised for families living within a preschool’s catchment area, meaning children can attend their local facility.
Where possible, families are encouraged to register their interest with their local preschool by June 30, although you can still register your interest any time during the year.
Education Minister John Gardner said preschool provides an important beginning to a child’s educational journey.
“Our preschools will soon be turning their attention to planning for 2021, so we are encouraging families with children eligible to start preschool next year to enrol this month,” said Minister Gardner.
“High quality early education gives children the best start in life, providing important opportunities to learn and develop skills for learning success such as language, motor and cognitive skills, and social behaviours.
“A child’s experiences in the early years establish the building blocks for their learning in the future, helping to establish positive foundations and learning patterns from the beginning of their educational journey.
“Preschool encourages critical skills such as talking, reading, thinking and writing, where children begin to see literacy and numeracy as part of their everyday experience.
“I encourage families to connect with their local preschool about enrolment options.”
Parents can visit the Department for Education website or talk to their local government preschool to find out more.
